Rookie Dominguez takes Herdez drive

The rookie, who finished fourth in the Indy Lights series this year, will drive the team's Lola-Cosworth. He has long links with Mexican food company Herdez that go back to 1996 when he drove in the country's national Formula 3 championship. He tested for the Champ Car team last year.

"I still can't believe it!" said the 26-year-old. "I have put in a lot of hard work over the years and struggled to prove myself and now, finally, this opportunity has come. I definitely think that the test I did in 2000 was key for me in getting this ride."

Managing director and former Pacific Formula 1 boss Keith Wiggins said: "We were impressed by Mario when we first tested him last year and believe that he's earned this opportunity. We've now completed his first test in preparation for 2002 and we were once again pleased with the speed, competence and technical feedback that he displayed.

Although Dominguez replaces Jourdain, there will still be two Mexicans in Champ Car racing next year. National hero Adrian Fernandez combines driving with running his own team.